In association with
Your winners of 2023!
If you would like to see more photos from the evening please click on the button below and use the password, business.
From the sole trader working from their kitchen counter to the 50-strong team from a well-established company, local businesses are the backbone of our neighbourhoods, providing goods and services that enhance our quality of life. These businesses are owned and operated by people who are passionate about their work and committed to making a positive impact on the community.
That’s why we’ve created the Above & Beyond Bromley Business Awards (The ABBBAs), to recognise the hard work, dedication and innovation of businesses throughout the London borough of Bromley.
Any business, large or small and based in the borough
has the opportunity to win an ‘ABBBA’.
We believe that by shining a spotlight on these exceptional businesses and highlighting what they do and how they do it, we can inspire others and ultimately make our community even stronger.
We are accepting nominations for a range of categories including Best Startup, Best Individual and Best Social Impact, among others. Our expert panel of judges will evaluate each nomination based on a set of criteria that reflects the values of our community.
So, whether you’re a small business owner looking for recognition, or a community member who wants to show your appreciation for a business that makes a difference, we invite you to participate in our community business awards. And if you need any more convincing, here’s 11 reasons why entering The ABBBAs (or any business awards) can be great for business.
It’s an exciting opportunity to come together and celebrate the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit that makes our community so special.
It’s time to celebrate!
“The ABBBAs aims to acknowledge, raise awareness of and celebrate those companies within the Bromley borough that go ‘Above and Beyond’ for their customers, local residents or the wider community. These businesses are the backbone of our communities, and I believe that it’s important to shine a light on them as an inspiration to others.”
Judges & Criteria
We’ve appointed a diverse panel of judges across a range of backgrounds, experience, age and knowledge, to ensure that all award submissions are judged fairly. To help keep the panel as impartial as possible, we’re now seeking a fifth and final judge!
If you’re a Bromley borough resident who doesn’t own a business and you think you have what it takes to decide on the borough’s best businesses, we want to hear from you! Send us an email and tell us in no more than 150 words why you think you’d be the ideal judge by 30th June! Remember you’ll also need to be available on Thursday 9th November to attend ‘The ABBBAs’.
The ABBBAs are not based on a popularity contest, nor will you need to have a team of employees to be considered. It’s simple: if you think you go ‘above and beyond’ for either your customers or your local community, then you’re already a great candidate to enter the awards!
The judges will be looking for evidence of companies that pride themselves on offering great service or products to their customers. They’ll want to see who goes ‘above and beyond’ in terms of the service they offer or the products they supply.
Evidence of this could be in the form of feedback/testimonials or social media posts or even a loyal clientele or high repeat customer base.
Below are just some examples of what the judges will take into account when it comes to the judging process…
- If you’re a business for whom community matters (you go above & beyond in providing great service for your customers and local community)
- Businesses who are actively engaged in the local community (For example, you might be a great connector of people, are very ‘community spirited’ or might engage in local activities or help raise awareness of local issues, charities, projects and causes.
- Companies that offer a great Corporate Social Responsibility/Environmental, Social Governance programme or approach.
- A commitment to diversity within the workforce.
- Evidence of the clear benefits and impact the business has had on the community (financial or in-kind, time and/or resources etc).
The Judges
Lee Thomas
Lee has lived in and around the Bromley borough since the early 70s. His first job was with Baxter Payne & Lepper, a chartered surveyors in Bromley, where one of the senior partners helped mentor Lee before he took his ISVA Surveyor exams. This was the start of his career in property and the beginning of his passion for Bromley and the businesses that operate there. Lee now runs the Fairlight Group of Companies, with Flexible Workspaces, offices, industrial units, as well as FRI leases and residential and commercial developments. He lives in Chislehurst and when he’s not busy working or visiting the gym, enjoys a plethora of activities including badminton, sailing, car track days and cycling to name just a few.
Gary Valentine-Fuller
Local business owner Gary plays many roles within the local community including BID Director, Toastmaster, Funeral Director, Charity Founder, School Governor, Army Reservist and Rotarian to name just a few. One of his most memorable appointments was presiding as Toastmaster for her late Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee. Gary is the proud founder and chairman of registered cancer charity, The MumMum Foundation, and active Honourable Secretary of the Royal British Legion. He lives in Orpington with his wife Kirsty and two young daughters, Darcy and Scarlett. In the little spare time he has, he enjoys quality time with family and friends (which includes Bentley the Dog), socialising and eating good food.
Kristel Valaydon
Kristel is a brand marketing, comms and PR geek, and has worked with a diverse range of clients across B2B and B2C sectors, both in the UK and internationally. Working with rebel, misfit and maverick business owners and teams within organisations, her company KV Comms helps brands build their community through connection in their comms. From strategy and training workshops to delivering 1-2-1 services, KV Comms supports clients to drive positive impact for client teams, community, partnerships, industry and beyond. Kristel has lived in Petts Wood for 15 years, enjoys healthy living, spending quality time with family and friends, finding great local food gems and likes to eat dessert first.
Chandra Sharma
Chandra is an experienced businessman who has owned three separate businesses and has spent several years managing Out of Town Retail superstores. His current business, Elmcroft Business Services, offers stationery and workwear and he is also partner in The People Skills Course. Chandra is a former Governor of Bromley College (now London South East Colleges), founder of the Orpington Business Forum, a former Director of Orpington 1st Business Improvement District and, for many years, has been a volunteer for the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). He is a passionate supporter of small businesses and in his spare time he loves spending his time in his shed mending and repairing things.
Aysha Best-Forbes
Aysha Best-Forbes has been chosen as the ABBBAs’ 2023 resident judge! In her application, Aysha highlighted that her law degree, previous employment and experience means that she is passionate about fairness and is able to be objective and impartial when it comes to judging. She says: “I’m extremely excited to be on the judging panel as there are so many wonderful businesses in the borough and I’m passionate about recognising and rewarding excellence in customer experience. I really feel that often we, as a society, are quick to complain but not to celebrate, which is why I think the ABBBAs is a fantastic idea.”
The Awards
The ABBBAs offers 12 individual awards across 6 categories. Judges will adopt a points system to allow for an impartial and fair process that gives any business, large or small, the opportunity to win.
Voting and submissions have now closed for 2023 and will reopen in 2024.
The Awards
The ABBBAs offers 12 individual awards across 6 categories. Judges will adopt a points system to allow for an impartial and fair process that gives any business, large or small, the opportunity to win.
Have a look at the 12 awards below to decide which you’d like to enter – and then complete the relevant form and submit it, along with any evidence or download it to complete and email later.
Nomination forms can also be posted to: The ABBBAs, Luna Creative Media Ltd, Devonshire House, 29-31 Elmfield Rd, Bromley BR1 1TF.
You are free to enter more than one award.
All award submissions must be received by MIDNIGHT on FRIDAY 8TH SEPTEMBER.
IN PURPLE – COMPANIES NOMINATE THEMSELVES FOR THIS AWARD
IN GREEN – THE PUBLIC / BUSINESS COMMUNITY NOMINATES SOMEONE FOR THIS AWARD8
Best Startup
Have you been trading for two years or less? Perhaps you launched during lockdown and have demonstrated great resilience? If you believe that you have made a significant impact in your field or industry in a short space of time (either through gaining market share, notable traction or a customer base, now’s your chance to really shine!
Judging Criteria:
- Quality and innovation of the product, service or solution
- Market traction and customer adoption
- Business performance and growth
- Potential for future success and scalability
- Overall impact and contribution to the industry or society
ENTER TO WIN THIS AWARD HERE or DOWNLOAD THE FORM HERE
Best Charity/Non-Profit
Are you a charity, non-profit business or a community group/project who puts serving the community at the heart of everything you do? Perhaps you have expanded services to cater to demand? Or maybe you have identified a niche sector that needed a voice? Now’s the time to let your voice be heard.
Judging Criteria:
- The impact of the project or group on the community or society
- The level of community engagement and participation in the project or group
- The sustainability and scalability of the project or group’s efforts
- The innovation and creativity of the project or group’s approach
- The overall leadership and teamwork of the project or group members
ENTER TO WIN THIS AWARD HERE or DOWNLOAD THE FORM HERE
Best Environmental Company
Are you a business that has gone to great lengths to improve your sustainability efforts? Perhaps you’ve reduced your environmental impact? Or maybe you make a contribution to conservation as part of your sales process? Now’s the time to shout about the efforts you go to in making the world we live a better place.
Judging Criteria:
- The level of commitment to sustainability demonstrated by the company
- The effectiveness of the company’s sustainability initiatives
- The measurable impact of the company’s sustainability efforts on the environment and society
- The level of innovation and creativity demonstrated by the company’s sustainability practices
- The overall leadership and culture of sustainability demonstrated by the company
ENTER TO WIN THIS AWARD HERE or DOWNLOAD THE FORM HERE
Best Social Impact Company
Does your company prioritise work that consciously and systemically serves or solves a local community need? Are you promoting diversity, equality and inclusion to those who are under-represented? Your business deserves to be recognised for helping bridge gaps between individuals or groups and their community.
Judging Criteria:
- The level of commitment to social impact demonstrated by the company
- The measurable impact of the company’s social initiatives on the community or society
- The effectiveness of the company’s social impact programmes
- The level of innovation and creativity demonstrated by the company’s social initiatives
- The overall leadership and culture of social responsibility demonstrated by the company
ENTER TO WIN THIS AWARD HERE or DOWNLOAD THE FORM HERE
Best Business – Independent
If you’re an independent company, in what ways have you gone ‘above and beyond’ for your customers or your local community? Maybe you are a great networker always looking to connect others? Or perhaps you are passionate about adopting systems and processes that benefit others? Whatever your reasons for standing out, it’s time to celebrate your efforts.
Judging Criteria:
- The level of excellence and achievement demonstrated by the business in their industry
- Business success or key results (ie growth, income or impact)
- The level of innovation and creativity demonstrated by the business in their operations and products/services
- The impact of the business on their industry or community
ENTER TO WIN THIS AWARD HERE or DOWNLOAD THE FORM HERE
Best Business – High Street
Are you the owner or manager of a High Street retailer? Maybe you and your employees offer outstanding customer service? Or perhaps you’ve been creative in engaging with the local community where others haven’t? Whatever your reasons for going ‘above and beyond’, you deserve the full recognition of being the best of the best.
Judging Criteria:
- The level of excellence and achievement demonstrated by the business in their industry
- Business success or key results (ie growth, income or impact)
- The level of innovation and creativity demonstrated by the business in their operations and products/services
- The impact of the business on their local community
ENTER TO WIN THIS AWARD HERE or DOWNLOAD THE FORM HERE
Best Business – Micro
Are you a sole trader or do have a small team (5 or fewer employees)? Now’s the time to acknowledge everything you do – small can be mighty! Just because you’re a small company doesn’t mean you’re not great at giving back to your customers, clients or the local community. So let’s hear about how you stand out from your competitors…
Judging Criteria:
- The level of excellence and achievement demonstrated by the business in their industry
- Business success or key results (ie growth, income or impact)
- The level of innovation and creativity demonstrated by the business in their operations and products/services
- The impact of the business on their local community
ENTER TO WIN THIS AWARD HERE or DOWNLOAD THE FORM HERE
Best Hospitality Business
The hospitality industry has grown significantly in recent years and competition is fierce – so how do you stand out from the crowd? And how do you demonstrate to your guests or customers that you ‘go the extra mile’? If you’re a pub, restaurant, bar, club, hotel, venue or nightspot that has those extra USPs, you need to let everyone know!
Judging Criteria:
- The level of excellence and achievement demonstrated by the hospitality business in their industry
- The overall customer satisfaction and quality of service provided by the hospitality business
- The level of innovation and creativity demonstrated by the hospitality business in their operations and guest experiences
- The impact of the hospitality business on their industry or community
- The overall leadership and culture demonstrated by the hospitality business
ENTER TO WIN THIS AWARD HERE or DOWNLOAD THE FORM HERE
Best Innovation Business
Trends emerge quickly and we have to bring our A Game to meet demand. This award recognises a company that has demonstrated exceptional innovation in their field, leading the way in new and ground-breaking products, services or technologies. If you have developed an innovative solution for your customers, community or even your industry – now’s the time to shout about it!
Judging Criteria:
- Originality and uniqueness of the innovation
- Impact of the innovation on the industry and society
- Business success or key results (ie growth, income or impact)
- Future potential and commitment to growth and innovation
ENTER TO WIN THIS AWARD HERE or DOWNLOAD THE FORM HERE
Community Hero
We’re seeking nominations from both the public and the business community for individuals within businesses or organisations who have demonstrated outstanding service in helping others and look to serve their wider community. It could be a fantastic shop owner who goes ‘above and beyond’ to help their micro community, someone who gives up their spare time to volunteer tirelessly or a great campaigner for a cause or group. Who really stands out as a ‘local hero’ to you?
Judging Criteria:
- The impact of the individual’s efforts on the community or society
- The level of personal sacrifice and dedication demonstrated by the individual
- The overall leadership and teamwork demonstrated by the individual
ENTER TO WIN THIS AWARD HERE or DOWNLOAD THE FORM HERE
Best Individual Award
We’re seeking nominations from the public only for individuals within the business community who make being a customer of theirs a complete pleasure. Who always delivers a great service? Which individual goes above and beyond? Who stands out as someone who deserves to be recognised? It could be a business owner, an apprentice or an entrepreneur. Show them how much you appreciate them by casting your vote.
Judging Criteria:
- The level of excellence, care and achievement demonstrated by the individual in their field or industry
- The impact of the individual’s contributions in the community, local business or their industry
- The individual’s potential for continued success and growth
ENTER TO WIN THIS AWARD HERE or DOWNLOAD THE FORM HERE
Business Personality of the Year
We’re seeking nominations from both the general public and the business community for someone who really stands out in business. Perhaps they’re a great connector of people? Maybe they always adopt a positive mindset in the face of adversity? Or perhaps they drive a great vision for their business and community? Think resilience, innovation and creativity. These business individuals deserve to be rewarded for giving back.
Judging Criteria:
- The level of excellence and achievement demonstrated by the individual in their industry
- The individual’s personal brand and influence in the business world
- The level of innovation and creativity demonstrated by the individual in their work
- The impact of the individual on their industry or community
- The individual’s overall leadership and communication skills
ENTER TO WIN THIS AWARD HERE or DOWNLOAD THE FORM HERE
You will be notified if you have been shortlisted for an award in due course, and the overall winner will be announced at the awards ceremony on Thursday 9th November, along with shortlisted nominees.
In the meantime, we’d like to thank you for entering The ABBBAs. You will be redirected to download a graphic to either pass on to the person you have nominated or to display on your website, on your blog or highlight in your email signature to let others know that you are a nominee for The ABBBAs and are proud to be a company that goes ‘Above and Beyond’ for others.
Best of luck in the awards! Three businesses will be shortlisted for each of the awards. Tickets are being reserved for shortlisted businesses so that they can attend the prestigious awards ceremony on 9th November 2023. Shortlisted nominees will be notified after 8th September.
The Venue
Get your glad rags prepped and be ready to mingle as the 2023 Above & Beyond Bromley Business Awards ‘The ABBBAs’ culminates in a glitzy awards ceremony at The Warren Metropolitan Police Hayes Sports Club, Croydon Road, Hayes, Bromley, Kent, BR2 7AL.
Tel: 020 8462 1266.
Date: Thursday 9th November
Time: 6pm – midnight
The Warren is set in 22 acres of beautiful Kent countryside, within easy reach of London, a large Grade II listed country house built in 1882 by Walter Maximilian de Zoete, a Dutch banker. It is one of the most unique and versatile venues in the South East of London with a wide range of rooms and facilities.
On Thursday 9th November, The ABBBAs will welcome over 200 business owners at The Warren for an evening of fun, celebration and entertainment!
The evening will include:
- A first drink on the house at a pre-dinner drinks reception
- A delectable three-course meal
- The shortlisted nominations and winners revealed
- Entertainment
- A goodie bag to take away
- A great opportunity to network with businesses throughout the borough of Bromley
Early bird tickets are just £65, with ticket prices rising to £75 from 31st July. The cut-off for booking tickets is Friday 20th October.
Our Sponsors
A special thank you to all our sponsors. Without them, The ABBBAs would not be possible and we are delighted that they have chosen to show their support in highlighting and celebrating local businesses, for whom community is so important.
Click on the logos to find out more.
Headline Sponsor
Secondary Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bespoke Sponsors
Sponsorship Opportunities
We have a range of sponsorship packages to cater to all budgets – from headline sponsors looking to raise their profile and show their support for the local business community, through to smaller businesses wanting to have their name associated with The ABBBAs on a tighter budget.
Meanwhile, our bespoke opportunities range from sponsoring the pre-dinner drinks reception or entertainment, through to having your business associated with the winners’ Champagne or the novelty Sweet Cart!
For more information about sponsorship, please contact us at awards@lifeinmagazines.co.uk or call 020 3488 9959.
Frequently Asked Questions
Simply complete the form next to the award you would like to enter, upload any evidence that supports your submission and press ‘Submit’. You also have the opportunity to download the form to complete it in your own time and then email it to awards@lifeinmagazines.co.uk or post it to The ABBBAs, Luna Creative Media Ltd, Devonshire House, 29-31 Elmfield Road, Bromley, Kent, BR1 1TF.
Yes, if you think your business is a good fit for more than one award, then you can enter across different awards and categories.
The 2023 ‘ABBBAs’ is a brand new and exciting event that will offer a plethora of networking opportunities, the chance to make new connections (and friends) and an evening of enjoyment with great food and company, not to mention celebrations with the awards and some amazing entertainment that will have you on your feet.
We’ll be running a raffle with the chance to win some great prizes, plus each attendee will take home a special goodie bag. Why shouldn’t you come? But be quick – tickets are likely to go quickly and we’re offering a fantastic early rate of £65 before prices go up.
Book your ticket here!
Anyone and everyone! Aside from the team behind The ABBBAs (Life In…Magazines), we’ll have our main award sponsors, the judges, award nominees, plus a whole range of businesses – from sole traders through to some of Bromley’s biggest businesses and some special VIPs.
We expect to welcome between 150 and 200 guests in total. If you’re a business owner based in the London borough of Bromley, we guarantee an evening you won’t forget – come along, we’d love to see you there!
The early bird ticket price is £65, with the price increasing to £75 closer to the event itself.
- A first drink on the house at a pre-dinner drinks reception
- A delectable three-course meal
- Evening entertainment
- A goodie bag to take away
- A great opportunity to network with businesses from across the borough of Bromley
You can opt for just 1 ticket or purchase a table of tickets (10) if you’d like to treat your team or best customers to a great night out – there’s no limit. There are reductions for people purchasing an ‘early bird’ ticket and a saving for those purchasing a table of 10 tickets.
If you’re driving, there is free parking for attendees. You can car share, take public transport (buses 119, 138 and 246 pass near The Warren) or, alternatively, call yourself an Uber or Taxi if you’d like to have a few drinks.
Of course. We have sponsorship opportunities ranging from just £100 to be part of this exciting event and showcase your support for other local businesses.
Don your best outfit for these glitzy awards; you’ll want to look your best for the photograph opportunities too!
Yes, The Warren caters for all dietary requirements. Please ensure that you have told us about this when you book and pay for tickets.
The event concludes at midnight.
There will be an opportunity to make a request to be seated next to or close to someone who you know will be attending or who has booked tickets. We can’t guarantee we will be able to meet all requirements, but we will endeavour to cater to requests. We’re unable to provide a seating plan prior to the awards evening, but this will be displayed at the venue on the night.
Tickets
Book now, don't miss out!
Be part of the ABBBAs’ celebrations, which culminate in a glittering awards evening at The Warren on 9th November, 2023 from 6.30pm – midnight.
Expect great networking, an exciting awards presentation, a delectable three-course meal (plus a pre-dinner drinks reception) and fabulous entertainment. This is Bromley borough’s most exciting calendar event that you won’t want to miss.
Although tickets have sold out to the general public, tickets have been reserved for award finalists. If you would like to attend The ABBBAs you can join the waiting list by emailing awards@lifeinmagazines.co.uk with your full name, company and contact details, plus how many tickets you would like.
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OutTable for 10
£600.00
Contact
For any questions relating to the awards, including submissions, sponsorship opportunities and ticket sales, email awards@lifeinmagazines.co.uk or call 020 3488 9959.